What Is Dinghy Towing?
Dinghy towing, additionally known as flat towing, permits you to tow a secondary car (or “toad”) behind your motorhome with all 4 wheels on the bottom. It’s a favourite amongst RVers as a result of it’s fast to arrange, simple to disconnect, and makes working errands or sightseeing a lot less complicated when you’ve parked your rig and arrange on the campsite.
Not each car is fitted to dinghy towing. At all times seek the advice of the proprietor’s guide earlier than towing. If the producer doesn’t explicitly approve a car for flat towing, utilizing it can lead to critical drivetrain harm that is probably not lined underneath guarantee.
With the correct setup, dinghy towing is among the most handy methods to boost your journey expertise.
Why Dinghy Towing is Usually the Finest Selection
There are three essential methods to tow a car behind your RV:
- Trailer towing, the place all the car rides on a trailer
- Dolly towing, which lifts the entrance two wheels off the bottom
- Dinghy towing, the place all 4 wheels keep on the highway
Many RVers desire dinghy towing as a result of:
- It requires much less tools (after preliminary setup)
- It’s quicker to attach and disconnect
- It takes up much less space for storing at your vacation spot
As soon as upon a time I had a Class C that was too small to tug a dinghy. It [stunk]. Now, I take my toad each time I hit the highway. My [motorhome] will get possibly 7 mpg and my [dinghy vehicle] will get 34 mpg. It pays for itself in native journeys. It additionally permits every of us to do our personal factor. I can go {golfing} whereas the spouse enjoys hanging out on the camp. She will be able to go to a craft retailer whereas I am going fishing. Having a toad give us flexibility. — Lt Keefer on THOR Boards
Verify Your Motorhome’s Towing Capability and GCWR
Earlier than towing something, verify your motorhome’s tow ranking. You may often discover this info within the RV’s proprietor’s guide or on a sticker situated close to the driving force’s seat or inside a cupboard. You additionally should verify the motorhome’s gross mixture weight ranking (gcwr). The gcwr is the utmost weight the RV can safely handle, together with cargo, fluids, passengers, and so on., plus the burden of the dinghy car and its contents.
Concerns to your motorhome’s towing capability should embody:
- The load of the towed car
- Any cargo inside that car
- Weight from added equipment like auxiliary braking programs
A part of your seek for your Class C and TOAD should embody the rig’s towing capability and the TOAD’s weight, particularly when you plan on utilizing the TOAD to hold extra stuff. — OMMM4747 on iRV2 Boards.
Exceeding this capability can result in poor dealing with, elevated braking distances, and long-term harm to your rig. When unsure, confirm the numbers.
Selecting a Towable Car in 2026
Every mannequin 12 months brings adjustments to drivetrains, software program, and transmissions. A car that was dinghy-towable final 12 months is probably not this 12 months. At all times affirm utilizing the producer’s documentation.
Frequent traits of autos which are dinghy-towable usually embody:
- Rear-wheel drive autos with guide transmissions
- 4-wheel drive autos with a switch case that may be set to impartial
Nonetheless, towing a car not designed for flat towing can destroy the transmission or harm different drivetrain parts.
Even permitted autos might include circumstances reminiscent of:
- Velocity or distance restrictions
- Required engine run instances or pre-tow procedures
The proprietor’s guide is your first cease. Search for sections labeled “Leisure Towing,” “Dinghy Towing,” or “Flat Towing.”
Your proprietor’s guide is the definitive information! Typically they make mid-year adjustments, so I all the time go by the Proprietor’s Guide … interval. If it doesn’t have a bit about flat towing in it, then I’d assume it’s NOT flat towable, no less than with out some form of alteration like a transmission lube pump, drive shaft disconnect, and so on. — NCC-1701A on iRV2 Boards
Some autos require a multi-step process earlier than towing. Analysis this forward of time to ensure it’s one thing you might be comfy doing repeatedly.
2026 Producer-Authorized Dinghy Autos
| Model | Fashions |
|---|---|
| BUICK | Encore GX AWD Envista |
| CADILLAC | Escalade 4WD (two-speed switch case w/ Impartial & 4WD Low) Escalade ESV 4WD (two-speed switch case w/ Impartial & 4WD Low) Escalade V 4WD (two-speed switch case w/ Impartial & 4WD Low) |
| CHEVROLET | Blazer 4WD (two-speed switch case w/ Impartial & 4WD Low) Colorado 4WD (two-speed switch case w/ Impartial & 4WD Low) Silverado 1500 4WD (two-speed switch case w/ Impartial & 4WD Low) Silverado 2500/3500 HD 4WD (two-speed switch case w/ Impartial & 4WD Low) Suburban 4WD (two-speed switch case w/ Impartial & 4WD Low) Tahoe 4WD (two-speed switch case w/ Impartial & 4WD Low) TRAX Trailblazer AWD |
| DODGE | Durango AWD (two-speed switch case) |
| FORD | Bronco (N/A Bronco Sport) Escape FHEV / PHEV Expedition 4WD F-150 4WD Tremendous Obligation 4WD Maverick HEV Ranger 4WD |
| GMC | Canyon / Canyon Denali 4WD (two-speed switch case w/ Impartial & 4WD Low) Sierra / Sierra Denali 1500 4WD (two-speed switch case w/ Impartial & 4WD Low) Sierra / Sierra Denali 2500HD / 3500HD 4WD (two-speed switch case w/ Impartial & 4WD Low) Yukon / Yukon XL / Denali 4WD (two-speed switch case w/ Impartial & 4WD Low) |
| JEEP | Gladiator 4WD Grand Cherokee 4WD (two-speed switch case w/ 4WD Low) Wagoneer / Grand Wagoneer 4WD (4WD Low) Wrangler 4WD |
| LINCOLN | Nautilus FHEV Navigator 4WD |
| NISSAN | Z (guide transmission solely) |
| RAM | 1500 4WD 2500 4WD 3500 4WD |
*Listings compiled by Thomas Godwin
Required Tools for Dinghy Towing
A protected and authorized dinghy towing setup requires greater than only a tow bar. You will want a number of key parts, every taking part in a necessary position in making certain stability, security, and compliance with the legislation.
Base Plate
The bottom plate attaches to the entrance of the towed car and connects to the tow bar. Some base plate installations might require minor modifications to the car’s trim. These parts are vehicle-specific and may match the tow bar mannequin you intend to make use of.
Widespread manufacturers embody Blue Ox, CURT, Demco, and Roadmaster.
Tow Bar
Tow bars hyperlink the RV and towed car. Select one rated to your car’s weight and guarantee it’s simple to make use of. Some provide foldable designs or tabless attachment factors for a cleaner look.
Widespread manufacturers embody Blue Ox, CURT, Demco, and Roadmaster.
Security Cables or Chains
These present a backup connection if the tow bar fails. They’re required by legislation in america and Canada.
Widespread manufacturers embody Blue Ox, CURT, Demco, Reese Towpower, and Roadmaster.
Auxiliary Braking System
A braking system in your towed car improves stopping energy and protects your RV’s brakes. Most states and provinces require it.
Widespread manufacturers embody Blue Ox, Brake Buddy, CURT (RVi), Demco, and Roadmaster.
Breakaway Change
In case your car separates from the motorhome, a breakaway change mechanically engages the dinghy’s brakes. This can be a authorized requirement in lots of jurisdictions.
Sign Mild Wiring or Wi-fi Lights
You may join your RV’s sign lights to your towed car utilizing a wired harness. Wi-fi LED tail lights are an alternative choice and are simpler to put in.
Rock Guard (Elective)
Rock guards defend your towed car from highway particles. Choices embody brush-style guards, stable panels, and cut up designs. Select what suits your RV model and journey preferences.
Frequent Errors to Keep away from
- Towing a car that isn’t permitted for dinghy towing
- Skipping the auxiliary braking system
- Exceeding your RV’s towing/weight restrict
- Failing to comply with the car producer’s pre-towing process
- Utilizing incompatible or improperly put in tools
One small mistake can lead to 1000’s of {dollars} in harm or a critical security hazard. At all times double-check each step.
Dinghy Towing Provides Freedom
Dinghy towing is among the greatest methods to discover when you’ve reached your vacation spot. You’ll not have to interrupt down camp simply to run errands, and your towed car provides you the flexibleness to see extra of the locations you go to.
With the correct tools, a towable car, and a focus to element, dinghy towing is protected, authorized, and extremely handy for right this moment’s RVers.
For much more about this unique 2026 Dinghy Towing Information, take a look at our bulletins at RVBusiness and Woodall’s Campground Journal.
FAQs on Dinghy Towing
A: No. Solely particular autos are manufacturer-approved for dinghy towing. At all times verify the proprietor’s guide.
A: Sure. It’s legally required in most states and provinces and helps stop harmful put on in your motorhome’s brakes.
A: Finest case? You’ll void the guarantee. Worst case? Catastrophic drivetrain harm. Merely put, don’t do it.
Earlier RV LIFE Dinghy Towing Guides
